List of Online Colleges with Regional Accreditation

Regional accreditation is the most prestigious form of accreditation. Credits earned at regionally accredited institutions are more reliably transferable than credits earned at institutions with national, hybrid, or programmatic accreditation. There are multiple regional accreditation agencies currently recognized by the Council for Higher Education and the US Department of Education. All must meet the same rigorous set of standards. Continue reading to find regionally accredited schools, or check out our lists of schools accredited at the programmatic or national levels.

Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) provides accreditation to universities and colleges in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States and a few other select locations: Pennsylvania; Delaware; New York; New Jersey; Maryland; Washington, DC; Puerto Rico; and the US Virgin Islands. MSCHE fosters educational progress, acts as a gatekeeper to maintain educational standards, and provides a consistent measurement by which to gauge an institution's effectiveness. MSCHE is recognized by the US Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NEASC CIHE)

New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Technical and Career Institutions (NEASC CTCI)

The Commission on Technical and Career Institutions (CTCI) , part of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, is an accrediting institution for secondary and postsecondary educational institutions that focus on technical and trade education. CTCI covers schools in Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and also select overseas programs. CTCI is recognized by the US Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI)

The North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI) accredits non-degree-granting postsecondary institutions, including a wide range of adult vocational schools, career enhancement programs, and K-12 schools. The association is responsible for accrediting schools in 19 states, mostly located within the middle region of the United States, as well as the Navajo Nation and the US Department of Defense Schools. NCA CASI is recognized by the US Department of Education.

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities is one of the most eminent accreditation firms in America and accredits postsecondary institutions in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington. The NWCCU offers assistance and suggests improvements to developed and distinguished schools in the region to ensure that the educational quality in the Northwest is not only up to par, but also surpasses the national standards. It is recognized by the US Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS COC) is responsible for the accreditation of postsecondary institutions in 11 Southern states including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. SACS is recognized by the US Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (WASC ACCJC)

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (WASC ACCJC) accredits two-year colleges that offer associate degrees in California and Hawaii, the territories of Guam, American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, the Pacific Basin, and East Asia. Certain areas of the Pacific and East Asia where American/International schools or colleges are located are also included. WASC ACCJC is recognized by the US Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Schools (WASC ACS)

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Schools (WASC) accredits schools below the college level: elementary, junior high, middle, and high school levels, as well as adult vocational programs.. The association presides over public and private schools located in California, Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Marianas, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and American/International Schools in East Asia and the Pacific. The WASC ACS is recognized by the US Department of Education.

Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities (WASC ACSCU)